Aug - Sep 2012 Περιοδικό τῆς Ἐνορίας-Κοινότητος Ἁγίας Ἄννας, Χρυσή Ἀκτή Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Parish- Community of St Anna, Gold Coast 31 a Crombie Ave, Bundall PO Box 5074 GCMC Qld 9726 (07) 5574 0777, 5574 0434 admin@gocstanna.org If you would like to receive the Phos in colour by email send your email address to admin@gocstanna.org PRESIDENT S REPORT The Gold Coast Parea held it s first ever Trivia Night on Saturday 21 st July 2012. We congratulate the Senior Youth Group for their success on the night which was well attended. It was an enjoyable night with plenty of laughs all around. Congratulations to Dimitri Bourne and his committee. Also, a big thank you to Sally Cominos Dakin who also worked hard in co organising this successful function with our Senior Youth Group. Our thanks to all those who busily prepared the questions. We hope that all parishioners get behind our youth when functions occur as they are our future leaders of this community. On Sunday 22 July, 2012 after the Diving Liturgy a memorial service was held to remember those who lost their lives during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The memorial was held outside our church and at our cenotaph where wreaths were laid in memory of the fallen. The Feast Day of St Anna was celebrated at our Church and community Hall on Wednesday the 25 th of July 2012. We were honoured to have at our parish His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Militoupolis who officiated the church service. Other Reverend Fathers in attendance were the Vicar-General in Queensland, Father Dimitri Tsakas, Father Lavrentios Pescar, Father Elias Kentrotis from Melbourne, Father Raymond Smith from the Gold Coast Antiochian Church, Father Kyriakos, Abbott from a monastery outside Sydney and, of course, our own parish priest, Father Roman Stergiou. Afterwards a large crowd gathered into our Community Hall for the official proceedings to welcome His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis. It was one of the largest crowds that attended our church s name day. Local parishioners were joined by parishioners from all three Churches in Brisbane. Father Roman and I presented His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupoliswith a beautiful icon of St Anna which he humbly received. The Ladies Auxiliary are to be congratulated for their hard work and efforts which took many days of preparation. The community hall looked stylish and the food was sumptuous and presented professionally. We congratulate them all as well as all the wonderful volunteers who assisted them, including Spiro and Trudy Levanes, Costa Dinas, Peter Vassiliou, Angela Demetre, Helen Paris, and Andoni Bachlinzanakis. Thank you to all who made this a memorable event. On Saturday the 28 th of July 2012, we were delighted once again to welcome Dr Alfred Vincent to our parish as part of his annual Kalomana Lecture. This year his topic was Ancient Greek Music Today. The lecture was very informative and was well attended His lecture was a mix of a power point presentation, music on CD and his lecture was in both English and Greek. We thank Leon Naoumis for organising Dr Vincent s visit to our parish. Many thanks also to Manos Vairamakis who provided technical support on the night. We look forward to more cultural lectures down the track. We were saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Pantelis Chrisostomos, on the 26 th of June 2012. Pantelis (Bill) was a founding member of the Senior Citizens group. He worked tirelessly for the Senior Citizens and was a long time member of our community. Pantelis was a gentleman and a friend to many. Our deepest sympathy to his wife, Maria and his family. Also in June, Evanthia Papanikolaou who is the mother of Arthur Papanikolaou (President of the Apollo Soccer Club) passed away. Our sympathy goes to Arthur & Venita and families for their loss. As well, we were saddened by the passing of Mr Con Zahos. Con had been part of our community for six years having moved from Darwin with his family. We extend our condolences to Ayapi and to their daughters, Eleni and Angela. May the memories of these loved ones be eternal. Following are a few important issues that need to be brought to your attention. We ask that parents ensure that during functions no children go behind the bar area nor onto or under our stage. This is a safety issue and we don t want any of our children to be hurt or injured. Secondly, when any of our committees hold functions we should do the right thing and book so that the organizing committee can cater properly. Also we ask that no parishioner parks his vehicle next to the side of the Church at any time. It is not a designated car park. As well, the car spaces on the right as you enter the church grounds have been rented out during weekdays. You must not park in those spaces during the week as the people who have leased those spaces have every right to expect their space to be ready for them. Thank you for your cooperation. James Nides Honorary President Coming up in Aug-Sep: Sep 3 Lecture on Parthenon Marbles Sep 9 St Anna s Feast Day Paniyiri Sep 29 High Tea CHURCH SERVICES See Insert or go to our website To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at: www.gocstanna.org
Page 2 LADIES AUXILIARY REPORT VISIT OF HIS GRACE BISHOP IAKOVOS OF MILETOUPOULIS The visit of His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis to celebrate St Anna s Feast Day was a highlight in our calendar of the last month. The Ladies Auxiliary was honoured to prepare the luncheon and to welcome His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and our special guests as well as our many Brisbane visitors to our parish. The Ladies Auxiliary very warmly thanks our volunteers who so readily assisted us in so many ways in the kitchen, serving the food or in the set up prior. You are an inspiration to us all! A special thank you to Great Benefactor, Mrs Betty Vaggelas who, as she has done since the church commenced, organised and donated the floral decoration of our St Anna icon. who would love to join the Auxiliary when their necessary 2 year membership passes. We invite these ladies to come at any time to assist us so they can then slip seamlessly into the Auxiliary when elections are next held in two years. BUS TRIP TO ST PARASKEVI A number of our parishioners took advantage of a mini bus organised by the Auxiliary to make the trip to St Paraskevi. We thank the community of St Paraskevi for their hospitality. Please note that ever since the buses have been going to Brisbane over many years the Ladies Auxiliary has always paid for the shortfall often quite substantial amounts. Though we are pleased to provide this service we really encourage people who are able to go, to take advantage of the buses offered. LADIES AUXILIARY ELECTIONS The Auxiliary elections were held on June 5 th. However, as there were not enough nominations, an election was not required. Maria Adamidis did not seek re-election and we deeply thank her for her many years of service on the Auxiliary. In her place we warmly welcome Freda Politakis. As one of the nominated women had not been a member of the community for 2 years, we welcomed back Vasso Kyriako who had wished to leave the Auxiliary. The executive consists of President - Sandra Voukelatos, Vice President Thalia Zakos, Treasurer Rebecca Cominos, Assistant Treasurer Cathy Walker, Secretary Helen Raptis. As well, serving on the Auxilary are Vasso Kyriakou, Georgia Kalas, Fani Grosdanis, Maria Politakis, Freda Politakis and Eleni Liopyris. We warmly thank Father Roman who is the Chairman of our Auxiliary. A number of the rest of the Auxiliary would have liked to have stepped down. However, as no other names had been put forward, these ladies have kindly agreed to stay on. We have been assured that there are many women in our community YOUTH TRIVIA NIGHT Congratulations to our Senior Youth President, Dimitri Bourne and his committee together with Sally Cominos Dakin who organised a fun Trivia night. All the questions were around our culture and religion and we all have a lot to learn! We all look forward to the next event to be organised by the Youth. QUEEN S BIRTHDAY HONOUR LIST DR PHILLIP TAHMINDJIS It s with great pride that we congratulate Dr Phillip Tahmindjis who was named on the Queen s Birthday Honours List. Dr Tahmindjis was honoured for his enormous contribution to International Relations. He is currently the Programme Lawyer for the International Bar Association and his work has included the establishment of a bar association in Afghanistan, building up of the Law Society in Swaziland and giving human rights training to lawyers in Iraq and Palestine. He has also worked on human rights issues in the Former Yugoslavia, Russia and Nepal. He is trustee of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre. Dr Phillip Tahmindjis is the son of our very own Vic Tahmindjis, a beloved member of our community. REMINDER Membership Fees are due for the 2012-13 year. The form can be downloaded from our web page or collected at the office.
Page 3 We offer our congratulations to Vic. On behalf of Father Roman and the entire community, the Ladies Auxiliary sent a congratulatory message to Dr Tahmindjis who thanks everyone for their good wishes. ICONOGRAPHY CELEBRATION The Divine Liturgy to celebrate and bless the completion of the dome and the new Iconography within the dome was co-celebrated by Father Dimitri Tsakas (Vicar General for Qld and representing His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos) Father Roman Stergiou and visiting Priest Father Elias Kentrotis. In attendance also were special guests, Mayor Mr Tom Tate and Mrs Tate, Councillor Lex Bell, Consul of Greece in Qld Jim Raptis and Pioneer Benefactor, Betty Vaggelas. Two hundred parishioners joined them in the hall for a celebratory luncheon which culminated in the unveiling of the Honor Scroll (which will be located within the Church) of Benfactors and Major Donors. Our congratulations to Father Roman for his part in organising and instigating such an event. The Ladies Auxiliary is extremely grateful to those noncommittee members who so generously offered their time and efforts in the preparation of the day and on the day namely, Anne Nides, Spero and Trudy Levanes, Peter Vasiliou, Maria Adamidis and Helen Paris. Our deep appreciation to you all for your enormous contribution to such a successful day. THE COMMUNITY IS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL OUR BENEFACTORS AND DONORS WHO SO GENEROUSLY GAVE TOWARDS THE CON- STRUCTION AND ICONOGRAPHY OF THE DOME. COMING EVENTS LECTURE IMPORTANCE OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES Monday, September 3 A visiting lecturer, Mr Emanuel Comino AM PSP JP, will visit our community to speak on the Importance of the Parthenon Marbles. Mr Comino is Chairman and founder of the IOC in Australia for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles. This one hour lecture will commence at 7pm and we warmly thank Mr George Ballas OAM for organising this for the community. Please join us to hear an expert on this topic and learn what the future may be for these treasures. ST ANNA S FEAST DAY PANIYIRI Sunday, September 9 A wonderful day is being planned in the form of an outdoors Paniyiri in the Church grounds following the Divine Liturgy. Come to enjoy the celebration, good food and dance in honour of our Patron Saint. HIGH TEA Saturday, September 29 th The Ladies Auxiliary High Tea has been booked for Saturday, September 29 th at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Please pencil in the date. The invitation will be sent next month together with the detail of our very special guest speaker. MONSTER AGORA MARKETS Date to be confirmed We are preparing for a Monster Market Day in the grounds of our Church. There will be thousands of items of new and used clothing, books, shoes and household goods as well as sweets for sale. It will be a bargain hunters paradise. SPIRITUAL CORNER Αποσπάσµατα από Το Γεροντικόν Είπε επίσης: «Όλος ο αγώνας πρέπει να αποβλέπει στο να µην κρίνουµε τον πλησίον. Γιατί όταν το χέρι του Κυρίου φόνευσε όλα τα πρωτότοκα στη χώρα της Αιγύπτου, δεν έµεινε σπίτι που να µην είχε νεκρό (Έξ. 12,29-30)». Τον ρωτάει ο αδελφός: «Τι σηµαίνουν τα λόγια αυτά;» «Σηµαίνουν είπε ο Γέροντας ότι, εάν όλα εκείνα που µας εµποδίζουν µας αφήσουν να δούµε τις αµαρτίες µας, δεν θα βλέπουµε τις αµαρτίες του πλησίον. Άλλωστε είναι ανοησία, ενώ εχει δικό του νεκρό ο άνθρωπος, να τον αφήσει και να πάει να κλάψει το νεκρό του πλησίον. Και το να πεθάνεις έναντι του πλησίον σηµαίνει να έχεις µπροστά σου τη δική σου αµαρτία και να µην έχεις µέριµνα για κανένα άνθρωπο ότι αυτός είναι καλός ή εκείνος είναι κακός. Μην κάνεις κακό σε κανένα άνθρωπο, ούτε να σκέφτεσαι πονηρά για κανένα. Μην εξευτελίσεις κάποιον που κάνει το κακό αλλά και να µην συµφωνήσεις µ εκείνον που κάνει κακό στον πλησίον ούτε να χαίρεσαι µ αυτόν που βλάπτει τον πλησίον. Αυτό σηµαίνει το να είµαστε νεκροί έναντι του πλησίον. Μην κατηγορείς κανένα να λες: Ο Θεός γνωρίζει τον καθένα και να µη συµφωνείς µ αυτόν που κατηγορεί να µη χαίρεσαι που κατηγορεί αλλά ούτε και να τον µισείς. Αυτό είναι το νόηµα του να µην κρίνουµε. Μην εχθρεύεσαι κανέναν άνθρωπο και να µην κρατήσεις έχθρα µέσα στην καρδιά σου,αλλά µη µισήσεις και αυτόν που εχθρεύεται τον πλησίον. Αυτή είναι η ειρήνη. Να παρακινείς τον εαυτό σου σ αυτά. Ο κόπος είναι προσωρινός, ενώ η ανάπαυση είναι αιώνια µε τη χάρη του Θεού Λόγου. Αµήν.» Έλεγαν για τον αββά Μακάριο τον Μεγάλο ότι είχε γίνει, όπως λέει η Γραφή, θεός επίγειος (Ιω.10, 34). Γιατί όπως ακριβώς ο Θεός σκεπάζει τον κόσµο, έτσι και ο αββάς Μακάριος σκέπαζε τα ελαττώµατα που έβλεπε στους άλλους, σαν να µη τα έβλεπε και εκείνα που άκουε σαν να µην τα άκουε.
Page 4 PHOTO GALLERY Cypriot Service 22/7/12 St Anna s Day 25/7/12
St Anna s Day 25/7/12 Page 5
Page 6 GREEK SCHOOL REPORT JULY 2012 We have welcomed all students back after a well-deserved holiday with the knowledge that term three will be a busy time for students and teachers alike. As such, semester two has begun with all classes embarking on new topics of study with a view to further extending their understanding of the Modern Greek language. The seniors are continuing with their comprehensive studies and we encourage all of them to ensure they consistently revise their work as part of their learning process. We are pleased to announce that senior students completed first and second term exams and their performances were above satisfactory; we are delighted with their efforts. All junior students have found that again they are learning about topics that both interest and fascinate them while always being encouraged to expand their ever increasing Greek vocabulary in the process. We encourage all parents (and grandparents) to contribute to students learning by not only speaking Greek to them whenever the opportunity arises but by also assisting them with their homework when possible. We encourage the use of our Greek language as often as possible so make it a family project. Mid-year reporting was completed by all teachers upon our return to school and on Wednesday 25 July 2012, students were presented with an interim report card outlining their progress and effort in reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing. We hope that students feel their progress reports are accurate representations of their efforts. We also encourage all students to make every effort to further improve in all the learning areas outlined on their report. The School Administration ΕΚΘΕΣΗ ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΝΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2012 Καλωσορίσαµε πίσω στο Ελληνικό Σχολείο, όλα τα παιδιά, µετά τις χειµερινές διακοπές, τις οποίες απόλαυσαν µετά από τη σκληρή εργασία του Β Τριµήνου. Γνωρίζουµε όλοι πως το Γ Τρίµηνο θα είναι επιφορτισµένο µε πολλές δραστηριότητες κι άλλες σχολικές εργασίες, τόσο για τα παιδιά, όσο και για µας τους δασκάλους. Ως εκ τούτου, το Β Εξάµηνο έχει αρχίσει µε όλες τις τάξεις να είναι απασχοληµένες µε νέες κατηγορίες θεµάτων, µε σκοπό την περαιτέρω κατανόηση της Νέας Ελληνικής γλώσσας. Τα παιδιά του Λυκείου συνεχίζουν τις ολοκληρωµένες µελέτες τους, µε νέα θέµατα κι εµείς ενθαρρύνουµε όλους, να καταβάλουν κι αυτό το τρίµηνο- το πολύ σηµαντικό για τα τελικά τους αποτελέσµατα- µεγάλη κι αξιέπαινη προσπάθεια, για να εξασφαλίσουν όσο το δυνατό καλύτερα αποτελέσµατα. (Ας µη ξεχνάµε πως τα Ελληνικά λαµβάνονται υπ όψη, µαζί µε τα άλλα µαθήµατα του καθηµερινού σχολείου, στον καθορισµό του «ΟΡ»). Είµαστε στην ευχάριστη θέση να ανακοινώσουµε ότι τα παιδιά αυτά συµπλήρωσαν τις εξετάσεις τους για το Α και Β Τρίµηνο, µε πολύ ικανοποιητικά αποτελέσµατα. Είµαστε ευχαριστηµένοι µε τις προσπάθειές τους. Τα παδιά των Κατωτέρων Τάξεων διδάσκονται διάφορα θέµατα, τα οποία όχι µόνο εγείρουν το ενδιαφέρον τους αλλά και τα ευχαριστούν. Ενθαρρύνονται συνάµα να επεκτείνουν το συνεχώς αυξανόµενο ελληνικό λεξιλόγιό τους. Εθαρρύνουµε όλους τους γονείς (και παππούδες/ γιαγιάδες) να συµβάλουν στη µάθηση των παιδιών/εγγονιών τους, όχι µόνο µιλώντας σ αυτά Ελληνικά όταν τους δίνεται η ευκαιρία, αλλά και να τα βοηθούν στην εργασία για το σπίτι όταν κι όσο µπορούν. Ενθαρρύνουµε τη χρήση της Ελληνικής µας γλώσσας όσο το δυνατόν συχνότερα στο σπίτι. Ας γίνει αυτό µία συνήθεια! Οι έλεγχοι προόδου για το Α Εξάµηνο συµπληρώθηκαν και δόθηκαν στα παιδιά την Τετάρτη 25 Ιουλίου 2012. Στους ελέγχους αυτούς φαίνεται η πρόοδος και προσπάθεια των παιδιών,στην ανάγνωση, στην κατανόηση του προφορικού λόγου, στην οµιλία και στην έκθεση. Ελπίζουµε ότι όλα τα παιδιά αισθάνονται πως ο έλεγχος προόδου που έλαβαν αποτελεί ακριβή εικόνα των προσπαθειών τους. Ενθαρρύνουµε επίσης όλους τους µαθητές να καταβάλουν κάθε προσπάθεια για περαιτέρω βελτίωση σε όλους τους τοµείς της µάθησης που περιγράφονται στον έλεγχό τους. Εκ της ιευθύνσεως του Σχολείου
Page 7 GCP - Gold Coast Parea (The Senior Youth Group) During the June/July school holidays, St Anna Kids & Teens staged a Disco in our community hall. 35 kids & teens (and their parents!) enjoyed bopping to the latest dance music and participating in a variety of games and competitions. St Anna Kids & Teens would like to thank Tony Bahlizanakis of The Pizza Stop for donating Pizzas for dinner. A special thank you, also goes to Niko Voukelatos and Andriana Demetre. Niko and Andriana donated their time, energy and DJ talents, to stage a memorable night of great music and entertainment for all. A big thank you also, to the Mums and Dads who supported and assisted on the night. An amount of $65 remained from the disco. These funds will be put toward prizes and supplies for our next event. St Anna Kids & Teens endeavours to arrange social outings and activities for junior school to mid school age children throughout the year. Young families are busy families and we are all competing for time, to offer our children a balance between our Aussie and Greek lives. Any parents who would like to have casual involvement with St Anna Kids & Teens and initiate an activity or outing, or volunteer their time and become part of the coordinating group, are welcome to contact Sally Cominos Dakin 0411 095 220 or Chris Sakley 0413 705 543. Trivia Night Thank you to the 100+ people who attended the Trivia Night on Saturday, 21 July 2012. It was a great success and an enjoyable night out with everyone s parea. We also thank the sponsors for donating generously and everyone who backed and supported the night. Visit our Facebook page or the youth tab on the church website to view the photos from the night. Gold Coast Parea Feel free to contact us and keep up to date via: - E: youth@gocstanna.org - GCP Gold Coast Parea -P: Dimitri on 0402 266 989 NEOS KOSMOS The Hellenic Perspective www.neoskosmos.com Published on Monday, Thursday & Saturday Available at: Australia Fair Newsagency Ph: 5591 3696 Broadbeach Newsagency Ph: 5531 5014 Surfers Paradise News 8 Ph: 5531 5655 Newsxpress Southport Park Ph: 5571 0191 Nerang Fair News 5596 4259 Now in ENGLISH every Saturday
Page 8 Kollyva Memorials with Kollyva can not be conducted between the Saturday of Lazarus and the Sunday of St. Thomas; on the major feast days of our Lord and the Parish Church nor on the 15th August, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. To arrange for Kollyva, contact Fani Grosdanis on 5527 2421 Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens celebrated the 89th birthday of Mrs Katina Patselis last month. This was a major milestone for the former Ladies Auxiliary committee member and long time member of the Senior Citizens group. Everyone wished her a wonderful birthday and many more to come. The Senior Citizens will be celebrating their 15th Anniversary in this year with a special function. Details will be advised shortly. Senior Citizens Dates and prices are subject to change without notice 7 Aug We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. The Committee 7 Αυγ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το 14 Aug We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. The Committee 14 Αυγ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το 21 Aug We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. BYO Food 21 Αυγ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 28 Aug We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. BYO Food 28 Αυγ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 4 Sep We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. The Committee 11 Sep We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. The Committee 4 Σεπτ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το 11 Σεπτ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το 18 Sep We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. BYO Fo 18 Σεπτ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 25 Sep We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. BYO Food 25 Σεπτ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας 2 Oct We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am. The Committee 2 Οκτ Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το Father Romanos Stergiou Parish Priest Phone: 0755740777 Mobile: 0414740477 Fax: 55742287 Email: father@gocstanna.org Office Hours: by appointment please call directly